FULL COVERAGE

Ongoing coverage of the federal case against the people involved in the 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and how life has changed in Harney County, Oregon.

Federal prosecutors said Cox, of Redmond, Oregon, was one of the least culpable members of last year’s 41-day occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Gabriel described Cox as a “foot solider,” but said that Cox was at the refuge early in the occupation, from Jan. 9 - Jan. 26. Gabriel said Cox took a gun to the refuge and performed guard duty. He also said Cox wrote a Facebook message on Jan. 26, 2016 — the day occupation leaders Ammon and Ryan Bundy were arrested — that stated, “let it be known free men stood against tyrants …”

Cox’s mother and fiance both spoke during the sentencing hearing and stressed to Brown that his actions were not characteristic of him.

Cox was critical of his own actions.

“It was a hasty decision by an arrogant, ignorant young man who didn’t respect the laws that keep us all safe,” Cox said during his sentencing.

Brown said Cox has shown respect for the law and that he now understands there are other ways to resolve disputes.